Off The BallIreland's most popular sports show and winner of a record nine PPI radio awards hosted by Ger Gilroy, Kevin Kilbane and Joe Molloy. Monday to Thursday from 7pm - 10pm, Fridays from 7pm - 9pm, Saturdays from 1pm - 6pm and Sundays from 12pm - 6pm.

Michael Noonan says market conditions are close to the levels needed for AIB's IPO

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has indicated that AIB's IPO could happen during 2017 as market conditions continue to improve.

"In order for us to proceed with the sale of any of our banking assets, we would need to be satisfied that the market is prepared to put a fair and reasonable value on the business, bearing in mind its current performance, its future prospects and the outlook for the Irish economy," he told the Dail.

The Minister added that bank shares are on the rise, citing the examples of Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB shares appreciating by 52% and 18%.

He indicated that the IPO may take place in either May or June - but stressed that no time-frame for an IPO has been finalised and that the Government is in no rush to off-load these shares. Prior to the General Election, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said he was ready to trigger an IPO if Fine Gael returned to power.

"Certainly there's an indication that we might get the kind of values we would require but there are a number of events that would be necessary before we proceed, the issue of a dividend, obviously that would probably enhance value somewhat and then there's the annual returns of AIB which are due out in March," he added.

Off The Ball

Ireland's most popular sports show and winner of a record nine PPI radio awards hosted by Ger Gilroy, Kevin Kilbane and Joe Molloy. Monday to Thursday from 7pm - 10pm, Fridays from 7pm - 9pm, Saturdays from 1pm - 6pm and Sundays from 12pm - 6pm.